2013 NFL Mock Draft: Best Pass-Rushers Ready to Go Pro

Pass-rushers were all the rage in the 2012 NFL draft. Top prospects like Quinton Coples and Melvin Ingram may have fallen a bit, though there were still seven sackmasters taken in the first round and another five in the second.

Apparently, there's no such thing as putting too much pressure on the opposing passer.

The class of 2013 might not be quite so stacked with quality defensive ends, outside linebackers and edge-rushing hybrids, though there figure to be more than a few off the board within the first 32 picks regardless.

Let's say Blaine Gabbert shows some signs of life this season, or at least enough to convince the Jaguars to not spend their first-round pick on a new quarterback.

Chances are, Jacksonville would need a defensive upgrade at that point. GM Gene Smith did well to snap up Clemson's Andre Branch in the second round this year, but he can't expect one rookie to turn around a unit that ranked 25th in sacks last season.

Picking up LSU's Sam Montgomery would be a step in the right direction. He notched nine sacks for the Tigers as a sophomore and has the sort of size, speed and athleticism to terrorize quarterbacks as an outside 'backer or a down lineman from time to time.

The Silver and Black have struggled to protect their passers ever since Rich Gannon last slung a sidearm pass in Oakland. They'll likely put their money on Tyler Bray to stand upright for longer than the USC-trained tandem of Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart will this season.

Unless, of course, they wind up at No. 1 with a shot at another Trojan—Matt Barkley.

The Dolphins would be wise to spend this pick on a new owner and/or general manager.

What's that? They can't do that?

Oh, well...in that case, Miami should seek out a pass-rushing partner for Cameron Wake. That way, at least the 'Fins will have a solid defense to lean on while they cringe through the growing pains that Ryan Tannehill is sure to endure.

8. St. Louis Rams: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

Protection will be paramount for the Rams if they're ever going to keep Sam Bradford healthy for long enough to allow him to develop into an elite passer.

There's no telling which of the Saints' defenders will be suspended by the league, or for how many games, in the after-aftermath of the Bountygate scandal. In any case, New Orleans could use a big, athletic tackle like Johnathan Hankins to improve its defensive push up front.

LSU's pass rush might rival that of some terrible NFL teams, thanks to the tandem of Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo off the edges.

Mingo, in particular, looks like a beast-in-the-making at defensive end, assuming he packs on a few extra pounds to his 6'5" frame before he makes the jump. With Tennessee, the Louisiana native would provide some depth behind Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley while working his way into a starting spot at some point down the line.

The Bills are set at the ends with Mario Williams and Mark Anderson...at least, until either (or both) of those guys flame out. They could use another body at tackle, though, and Kawann Short is one of the best at that spot in this draft class.

16. St. Louis Rams (via Redskins): Keenan Allen, WR, Cal

You know what else would help Sam Bradford avoid another season-long beating? A wide receiver with elite tools, like, say, Cal's Keenan Allen.

The Chiefs netted all of 29 sacks last season—the third-fewest in football—and didn't do much of anything in the draft or free agency this year to improve that part of their game. Dontari Poe, their top pick, should be able to wreak some havoc form the inside, but isn't a sackmaster, per se.

That won't be as much of an issue once Alex Okafor ends up on the field in KC. The 6'4", 260-pound senior-to-be has the size and strength to contribute off the edge from Day 1 in the NFL.

Jay Cutler showed last season that he can be an excellent quarterback when given even a modest allowance of pass protection. An upgrade at offensive tackle with Virginia's Oday Aboushi, then, may well give Cutler the peace of mind to be a Pro Bowler.